Saturday, April 28, 2018

World Immunization Week: Let's Take Pledge for a Healthy World


The last of week of April is acknowledged as World Immunization Week. The main motto is to raise awareness of the importance of child and adult immunizations.
As per WHO results vaccines prevent 2 to 3 million deaths annually from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles. In addition to averting illness and deaths, immunizations will lead to limited spread of drug resistance as antibiotic use is reduced.
Rightly quoted by Walter A. Orenstein, MD, president of National Foundation for Infectious Diseases “A key goal of World Immunization Week is to increase global immunization coverage”. Vaccines not only protect individuals but also saves the community from the contagion. Moreover children with some complications who cannot take medicines can be helped through vaccination. High vaccination coverage helps to protect vulnerable individuals, as eliminating transmission prevents exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases. As reported last year, Minnesota witnessed the largest measles outbreak owing to some anti-vaccine activists in an immigrant community. Moreover, Influenza viruses are mutable and recent news in China cites that avian influenza A (H7N9) virus has split into two strains out of which one is resistant to existing vaccine.
With all these news coming to fore, it is quite evident that while on one side people are least aware of the benefits of vaccination, on the other hand the virus is growing more deadly and powerful. We have very less time to waste now. This World Immunization Week, let us take the oath of learning right things about flu, spreading genuine awareness and focusing more on better disease surveillance and prevention.
This July (2nd and 3rd), Vienna will host two days of brainstorming sessions at “4th International Conference on Influenza and Zoonotic Disease” delving deeper into the roots of problem.

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This Flu Season Get Your Genuine Flu Shot For Better Health

The Hazards of Flu
With more research on the fatal fever, it is coming to fore that people with chronic diseases, such as heart problems, are more prone to developing complications during flu. These can be manifested as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Patients share their experience of increased heart-beat, excessive drying of body fluids and many more. During flu season, it is no wonder that beds would not be available in hospitals. This worsens the situation even more.
You Have the Power to Fight Flu
While people generally neglect about the flu shots till they are not affected, those with underlying illness must not go on that road. It is desirable to get on time flu shots. Take every little precaution like washing your hands properly, wearing a mask etc. As it is said, prevention is better than cure. It is like creating a protective barrier around yourself so that you are not affected more.
Whether you have a congenital heart disease or any other certain long-term medical conditions, or you have loved ones or care for someone with certain long-term medical conditions, it is very important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Enlisted below are few medical conditions which trigger flu complications:
Asthma, neurological problems, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney problems, liver problems, HIV-AIDS, Obesity.
Gain The Power To Fight:
1.       Flu vaccination. It is recommended for all (6 months and above) to take flu shots every year. This will reduce the vulnerability towards complications during flu season, especially for people with existing illness.
2.      Daily Preventive Actions. It is desirable to take anti-flu measures through everyday actions so that the spread of flu is stopped. It is a measure for you and your loved ones. It is a measure to gain a healthy surrounding.
3.      Flu Antiviral Drugs. When the complications are too worse, it is better to go to the doctor. Many antiviral drugs are available and the doctor knows the right one to be prescribed according to the prevailing medical condition of the patient.


It is a step towards a healthy world and everyone should play their part. More to be discussed in “4th International Conference on Influenza and Zoonotic Diseases” hosted in Vienna, Austria during 02-03, July 2018.